Your Best Writing Life

What did you think of this episode?

Are you ready to write a devotional that changes lives?
What if you could complete yours in 90 days?

Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is… Janet McHenry is the author of 27 traditionally published books—including the bestselling PrayerWalk, Praying Personalities, and her newest, Looking Up! She teaches nonfiction form at writers’ conferences around the country and hosts the Sierra Valley Writers Retreat twice yearly. Her favorite thing is seeing lightbulbs light up in writers’ eyes. 

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. 

Alright, let’s head into our content for today… How to write a 365-day devotional book in 90 days 

Janet, help us out...

1. You wrote 200,000 words for three different books in less than a year. How did that happen? And how do you schedule your writing time? 
2. Your most recent book, Looking Up!, is a 365-day devotional book that you wrote in three months’ time. How did you pace yourself to get that done? 
3. How would you coach someone in writing a devotion? What elements are important? And you say sometimes writers miss one—what is that? 

LINKS

Listener giveaway - E-book: Prayer Helps: Scripture-Based Prayers When You Don’t Know How to Pray: https://www.janetmchenry.com/mini-magazine 

Latest book - Looking Up! Finding Joy as You Read and Pray Through the Bible: A Daily Devotional (Our Daily Bread Publications, Nov. 5, ,2024): 

You can find out more about Janet McHenry here.
Website: https://www.janetmchenry.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanetMcHenryAuthor/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janetmchenry/ 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/janetmchenry/ 

X: https://x.com/LookingUpFirst 

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Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".

Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is… Bethany Jett. Bethany is an associate literary agent with the C.Y.L.E. agency, as well as a multi-award-winning author and a marketing strategist who earned top honors in her master’s program, where she earned her MFA in Communications focusing on Marketing and PR. Her motto is “Teach as you go,” which she lives out as the co-owner of Serious Writer, a company that teaches and empowers writers and authors.

Bethany is married to her college sweetheart, and together they’re raising 3 teen sons and their Pomeranian, Sadie.

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this episode, you’ll learn about the key concepts of a Great Nonfiction Book.

Are you utilizing the elements that create great nonfiction? Today we focus on one key element nonfiction books must contain to be successful.

The three pillars are Concept, Content, and Craft.

During this episode, we are concentrating on Concept.

What are High Concept ideas?
What makes your book a different book from someone else?
Define the audience who will walk into the bookstore looking for your book.

• Nonfiction content must answer a promise to their reader.
• Every chapter matters
• In this chapter, readers will understand take away or learn... 
• There are no gray lines between memoirs and Christian living; it's one or the other.
• Who are the best sellers in your genre?
• Who are the midlist authors?

Links

Bethany Jett
Bethany Jett Books
Submission Guidelines 

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".

Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

When is relaunching your book a great option?
Today’s guests share strategies and insight into making a book relaunch your next best step.

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this episode, you’ll learn about … Relaunching a Book to Gain New Traction 

My industry experts are Athena Dean Holtz and Carol Tetzlaff… Athena is an author, speaker, podcaster, and publisher at Redemption Press, and She Writes for Him. She pioneered the indie publishing movement in the Christian market in the early 90s. Carol is an award-winning Bible study author, speaker, and associate publisher at Redemption Press.

Alright, let’s head into our content for today… Relaunching a Book to Gain New Traction 

1. How do you know it’s time to relaunch?
2.  How can an author add value to the reader by revising or expanding?
3.  What are the most effective additions to make a new version stand out?

Listener giveaway? - Our free resource would be a course on Get unStuck in Your Writing.

Your A Game - Courage for the Communicator – PDF Download and watch training at Romans828mediagroup.com 

https://www.redemptionpress.com  

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".

Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

Have you stalled out as a writer or speaker – is it because someone wounded you?

Today’s guest shares how we can heal from our wounded giftings to soar again.

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this episode, you’ll learn about … Have You Been Wounded in Your Gifting?

My industry expert is… Shellie Arnold. Shellie has written and edited articles, devotionals, novels, and nonfiction. She has keynoted and taught in workshops, Sunday school classes, and small group settings. She frequently serves on faculty at conferences, including leading the popular Manuscript Critique Track at FCWC, which allows writers to get feedback on their current work in progress.

• How do these wounds happen?
• How do they affect our calling to write or speak?
• How can we heal from these wounds?

 LINKS

Listener giveaway - The Big Four Strategies is a free download on Shellie's website at https://www.shelliearnold.com/shop-c1bgp 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shellie.arnold.7

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556125003924 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ShellieLArnold 

Instagram: in process

Website: www.shelliearnold.com 

Joined by God: Unconventional Devotions for Christian Couples can be found at: https://www.kaleidoscopebooks.net/ , Amazon, and through other retail outlets 

The Spindle Chair, Sticks and Stones, and Abide with Me (novels about marriages in trouble) can be found at: https://www.kaleidoscopebooks.net/ , Amazon, and through other retail outlets

         Podcast: Christian Marriage Uncensored can be found at https://www.shelliearnold.com/podcast-1 or your favorite podcast platform as well.

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".

Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

Are you curious about AI's true impact on Christian Writers? Today’s guest sheds some much-needed light on this growing topic of concern.

LYNETTE EASON IS THE BEST-SELLING, AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF OVER SIXTY BOOKS.

Her books have appeared on the USA TODAY, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and Parable bestseller lists. She has won numerous awards, including the Carol, the Selah, the Golden Scroll, and more. Her novel, Her Stolen Past, was made into a movie for the Lifetime Movie Network.

Lynette teaches at writing conferences all over the country and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Mystery Writers of America (MWA), International Thriller Writers (ITW), and Faith, Hope, and Love.

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this episode, you’ll learn how AI is impacting Christian writers.

LINKS

Lynette can be found online at

Lynette Eason

Lynette Eason on Facebook

and @lynetteeason on Twitter.

The Author's Guild

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".

Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

How does your writing change the world? Today’s guest helps us consider the importance of core values in our writing.
Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. You’ll learn about … Writing to Shape Our Culture during this episode.

My industry expert is…Michelle Lazurek. Michelle is a pastor’s wife, mother, and multi-genre, award-winning author and speaker. She is a regular contributor for iBelive.com and crosswalk.com and is passionate about making disciples and engaging in honest conversations for authentic living. She’s also a literary agent for Wordwise Media Services.

• Why is knowing core values essential for a writer’s career success? 
• What are your core values?
• What core values should we focus on? 
• What is the key to helping writers remain relevant in today’s culture? 

Download - 10 Ways to Speak to Your Culture. PDF 

Michelle S. Lazurek - Multi-genre award-winning author, literary agent, and certified writing coach. Thirty-time award-winning author, including a three-time Children's Book of the Year, Article of the Year, Selah and Directors' Choice award winner

http://www.michellelazurek.com

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".

Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

Words have power. Is your dialog something readers quote long after they finish your book? Stay tuned—today's guest shares top strategies for drafting dynamic dialog.

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this episode, you’ll learn How to Draft Dynamic Dialog.

My industry expert is…PeggySue Wells - PeggySue is the bestselling author of 36 books and collaborator for many more. Action and adventure, romantic suspense, military romance, and cozy mystery pact the pages of the novels penned by P.S. Wells, including Chasing Sunrise. How to live better, easier, and simpler is the focus of her nonfiction, including The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make.

What is the purpose of dialog?

What makes dialog memorable and quotable?

What items can be trimmed to have a clear, concise conversation?

What about swearing and the use of profanity?

Additional episodes with PeggySue Wells

5 Top Tips to Begin Your Writing Career 

Writing Sensational Settings 

Writing Creative Characters

How to Write Pivotal Plots 

LINKS

Download - PeggySue's Particulars to Pen Dynamic Dialog

 PeggySue Wells FB Author Page:

PeggySue Wells FB Personal Page

PeggySue Wells Linked In

PeggySue Wells

Single Mom Circle

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".

Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

As a faith-based writer, how do you find your perfect editor? Karin Beery helps you avoid bad editors and experience the best for yourself.

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this episode, you’ll learn How to Find Your Perfect Editor.

My industry expert is…Karin Beery. Owner of Write Now Editing, Karin helps authors turn good manuscripts into great books. She is also a writing coach and a regular presenter at state and national writing conferences.  When she's not editing or teaching, she writes hopeful fiction with a healthy dose of romance.

LINKS
Karin Beery - Hopeful fiction with a healthy dose of romance

Karin Beery - Author - Turning good manuscripts into great novels

Write Now Editing

Clean Read List Download

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".

Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

You don’t have to write a book to advance your writing career. 

Today’s guest offers tips to embrace and benefit from short-form writing.

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this episode, you’ll learn How Short-form Writing Can Advance Your Writing Career.

My industry expert is…Lori Hatcher.

Lori Hatcher is an editor, women’s ministry speaker, writing instructor, and author of numerous devotional books with Our Daily Bread Publishing, including her latest, A Word for Your Day. Her articles and devotions have appeared in publications such as Focus on the Family, Revive Our Hearts, Upper Room, and Crosswalk.com.

Lori Hatcher, welcome back…How Short-form Writing Can Advance Your Writing Career

We discuss the following:

1. Short-form writing trains you to write for larger projects.
2. Short-form writing helps you build relationships that can connect you to larger projects.
3. Short-form writing doesn’t have to be a stepping stone. It can be an effective and lucrative writing career in itself.

LINKS - Lori Hatcher - Author, Speaker, Blogger

www.LoriHatcher.com

Refresh Your Faith

Refresh Your Prayers

Refresh Your Hope

Moments with God for Couples

[email protected]

Ease into the Bible: How to Wade into the Water of God’s Word with Confidence by Jean Wilund  

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".

Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

What did you think of this episode?

Are you ready to PEN your story?

Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb.

Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this episode, you’ll learn how to pen your story.

Today's industry expert is Dalene Bickel.

Dalene founded Lasting Legacies Publishing, where she works as a ghostwriter, personal biographer, and book coach. She is also the host of the Ink and Impact podcast, the founder of The Inkwell (a Christian writing community), and the creator of Bookworthy Academy (a self-publishing course).

Are you ready to PEN your story?

• P = Pivot; change your mindset or way of doing things
• E = Embrace; embrace the writing process; discover the direction God wants you to take, and then do the work!
• N = Nurture; attract and interact with your target audience; help them get to know you and God and His truths.

Listener giveaway. Here’s the link to Dalene's freebie: https://bookworthyframework.com

-The Bookworthy Framework will help you:

• Write with purpose – craft a life-changing message.
• Gain clarity – stop second-guessing your content. Discover what to include … and when.
• Achieve your goals – Amplify your message, build your brand, and scale your mission.

LINKS

Find out more about Dalene Bickel below:

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

DaleneBickel.com

The One-Year Collection of Weekly Writing Prompts: Write Your Life Story, One Question at a Time

Thank you, friends, for joining us. Please take a moment to share this podcast with another writer or two, give us a star rating, post an episode review, and hit subscribe. I greatly appreciate what you say and what you choose to write.

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".

Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast